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A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: "The Counter Terrorism Policing Network has requested military assistance to remove vehicles and objects from the scene in Salisbury city centre as they have the necessary capability and expertise.

"The public should not be alarmed and the public health advice remains the same.

"The military has the expertise and capability to respond to a range of contingencies.

"The Ministry of Defence regularly assists the emergency services and local authorities in the UK.

"Military assistance will continue as necessary during this investigation."

Life carries on in the cathedral city of Salisbury, as police investigate an incident which left a former Russian spy critically ill (March 6) (Image: Liam Trim)

Along with Mr Skripal and his daughter, a police officer, detective Sergeant Nick Bailey, also remains in a serious but stable condition after coming into contact with the nerve agent.

He has been awake and talking, the Home Secretary has said today.

About 180 military personnel have been deployed to Salisbury to help in the investigation into the attempted murder of an ex-Russian spy and his daughter.

They will include Royal Marines and military personnel who have specialist training in chemical warfare and decontamination.

Personnel in hazmat suits covered the bench they were found on at the Maltings shopping centre in Salisbury on Thursday, March 8 (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the military had stepped up to "assist with this crucial inquiry".

Police are continuing to investigate the area where Mr Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found.

Personnel in hazmat suits covered the bench they were found on at the Maltings shopping centre in Salisbury on Thursday, March 8.

A police officer stands guard at the London road cemetery in Salisbury where the wife and son of Sergei Skripal are buried on March 8, 2018 (Image: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Image)

The police cordon outside Mr Skripal's home was widened following a flurry of activity.

A large blue forensic tent was set up on the street as more police and incident support vehicles arrived from South Western Ambulance Service. Officers extended the cordon to seal off the whole of Christie Miller Road, although residents and their vehicles are allowed to come and go.

Police cordons have also been put up around the gravestone of Mr Skripal's wife Liudmila, who was buried in 2012, and the memorial stone of his son, Alexander, who was cremated last year.

They are located at separate sites in the London Road Cemetery and are each guarded by a police officer.

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Prime Minister Theresa May told ITV News: "First of all the police are still investigating, obviously, we need to let the police have the space and time to conduct their investigating so that we get the best possible evidence of what has happened in this particular case.

"Of course if action needs to be taken then the Government will do that. We'll do that properly, at the right time, and on the basis on the best evidence."

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Salisbury 'spy' incident

Asked whether the action taken if Russia was found to be responsible could include the expulsion of its ambassador, Mrs May responded: "We will do what is appropriate, we will do what is right, if it is proved to be the case that this is state-sponsored.

"But let's give the police the time and space to actually conduct their investigation."